Important: No individual is made up of only one energy. You are a mixture of all four, but typically one or two energies are predominant in your leadership style.
Section 2: Classification Framework
Clarity4D Energy
Primary Focus
Classical Style
Maxwell's Levels
Red (Action)
Results, Challenge, Speed
Autocratic / Directive
Level 1 & 3
Blue (Precision)
Accuracy, Quality, Details
Bureaucratic / Analytical
Level 1 & 3
Yellow (Inspiration)
Enthusiasm, Influence, Change
Inspirational / Charismatic
Level 2 & 4
Green (Support)
Harmony, Trust, Consensus
Democratic / Servant
Level 2 & 4
Section 3: John Maxwell's 5 Levels of Leadership
Level 1: Position (Rights)
People follow you because they have to. Your influence is based on your title or role in the organizational chart. This is the lowest, least effective level of leadership.
Focus: Rules, Regulations, Titles, Authority
Level 2: Permission (Relationships)
People follow you because they want to. You've built relationships and trust. This is where true influence begins.
Focus: Relationships, Trust, Respect, Connection
Level 3: Production (Results)
People follow you because of what you've done for the organization. Your results and productivity inspire others.
Focus: Results, Effectiveness, Momentum, Leading by Example
Level 4: People Development (Reproduction)
People follow you because of what you've done for them personally. You've invested in their growth and development.
People follow you because of who you are and what you represent. Your leadership transcends your position and organization.
Focus: Legacy, Transformation, Universal Respect
All color energies can reach Level 5. The path may look different, but transformational leadership is available to everyone regardless of their natural energy.
Section 4: Discover Your Dominant Energy
Self-Assessment Exercise
Rate each statement from 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Always)
Red Energy Statements:
I make decisions quickly and focus on results __/5
I prefer direct communication and clear deadlines __/5
I thrive in competitive, high-pressure situations __/5
I value efficiency and hate wasting time __/5
I focus on what needs to be done, not how people feel about it __/5
Red Total: ____/25
Blue Energy Statements:
I need complete information before making decisions __/5
I value accuracy and quality over speed __/5
I prefer structured processes and clear procedures __/5
I analyze data thoroughly before taking action __/5
I focus on details and potential risks __/5
Blue Total: ____/25
Yellow Energy Statements:
I energize others with enthusiasm and optimism __/5
I love brainstorming and generating new ideas __/5
I build relationships easily and enjoy networking __/5
I focus on the big picture and future possibilities __/5
I inspire others through storytelling and vision __/5
Yellow Total: ____/25
Green Energy Statements:
I seek consensus and value everyone's input __/5
I prioritize team harmony and wellbeing __/5
I listen carefully and create safe spaces for dialogue __/5
I avoid conflict and prefer collaborative solutions __/5
I build deep, trusting relationships __/5
Green Total: ____/25
Your Results
My Dominant Energy: _________________
My Secondary Energy: _________________
My Lowest Energy: _________________
Section 5: Red Leader Profile & Development
The Red Leader: Directive and Goal-Focused
Signature Phrase: "What is the final result? Let's go now."
Strengths:
Creates momentum and drives action
Clear accountability and decisive leadership
Highly effective in crisis situations
Gets results quickly
Blind Spots:
Can be perceived as overly critical or impatient
May stifle creativity and input from others
Risk of burning out team members
May overlook people's feelings and needs
Red Leader Development Exercise
To Grow Your Leadership (Flex to Green):
Schedule 15-minute check-ins with each team member monthly
Ask "How do you feel about this?" before making decisions
Count to 5 before responding in meetings
Say "thank you" and "I appreciate you" daily
Seek input before announcing the solution
Reflection: What will I commit to doing this week?
Section 6: Blue Leader Profile & Development
The Blue Leader: Analytical and Standard-Focused
Signature Phrase: "Review the process. Is it accurate and complete?"
Strengths:
High-quality output and attention to detail
Clear roles, procedures, and standards
Strong risk mitigation and planning
Data-driven decision making
Blind Spots:
Slow decision-making due to analysis paralysis
Overly focused on details at expense of big picture
May struggle with ambiguity and rapid change
Can be perceived as inflexible
Blue Leader Development Exercise
To Grow Your Leadership (Flex to Yellow):
Make one "good enough" decision per week without perfect data
Start meetings with a positive story or vision
Focus on possibilities instead of just problems
Use enthusiasm and energy in presentations
Delegate details and focus on strategy
Reflection: What will I commit to doing this week?
Section 7: Yellow Leader Profile & Development
The Yellow Leader: Inspirational and Charismatic
Signature Phrase: "Imagine what we can achieve if we connect and push boundaries!"
Strengths:
High team engagement and morale
Drives innovation and creative thinking
Creates positive, energetic culture
Excellent at selling vision and inspiring action
Blind Spots:
May overlook critical details and processes
Inconsistent follow-through on commitments
Risk of being "all talk, no action"
Can be overly optimistic about timelines
Yellow Leader Development Exercise
To Grow Your Leadership (Flex to Blue):
Create written action plans with specific milestones
Schedule "deep work" time for detailed planning
Follow up on commitments within 48 hours
Focus on one project at a time instead of multitasking
Track progress with measurable metrics
Reflection: What will I commit to doing this week?
Section 8: Green Leader Profile & Development
The Green Leader: Democratic and Supportive
Signature Phrase: "How do you feel about this? Let's make sure everyone is heard."
Strengths:
High team loyalty and retention
Strong collaboration and cohesion
Decisions have broad buy-in and support
Creates psychologically safe environment
Blind Spots:
Slow to make final decisions due to seeking consensus
May avoid necessary conflict or tough feedback
Can be perceived as indecisive
Risk of being taken advantage of by others
Green Leader Development Exercise
To Grow Your Leadership (Flex to Red):
Make one swift, unilateral decision per week
Set firm deadlines and hold people accountable
Address one performance issue directly this week
State your position clearly before seeking input
Say "no" to one request that doesn't align with priorities
Reflection: What will I commit to doing this week?
Section 9: Practical Communication Guide
Effective leaders communicate in the language of their team members, not just their own preferred style.
How to Communicate with Red Team Members:
Be Direct: "Here's the challenge, here's the deadline, you have full authority."
Focus on Results: Skip the process details, emphasize outcomes
Be Brief: Get to the point in 2 minutes or less
Give Autonomy: Tell them WHAT, not HOW
Make it Competitive: Frame as wins and challenges
How to Communicate with Blue Team Members:
Provide Data: "Here are the facts, figures, and analysis..."
Be Structured: Use agendas, timelines, and clear processes
Give Details: Explain the methodology and standards
Allow Time: Don't rush decisions, give time to analyze
Focus on Quality: Emphasize accuracy and thoroughness
How to Communicate with Yellow Team Members:
Start with Vision: "Imagine the possibilities..."
Be Enthusiastic: Show energy and optimism
Tell Stories: Use narratives and examples
Make it Fun: Keep it engaging and collaborative
Give Recognition: Publicly acknowledge their contributions
How to Communicate with Green Team Members:
Seek Input: "What are your thoughts on this approach?"
Build Consensus: Involve them in decision-making
Be Patient: Give time for processing and reflection
Show Appreciation: Acknowledge their contributions personally
Frame as Support: "This will help the team..."
Section 10: Your Personal Leadership Development Plan
30-Day Leadership Development Plan
My Current Leadership Assessment:
My Dominant Energy: _______________________
My Current Maxwell Level (on average): _______
My Goal Maxwell Level in 6 months: _______
My Top 3 Strengths as a Leader:
My Top 3 Development Areas:
The Energy I Need to Develop Most (Opposite of my dominant):
My 30-Day Action Commitments:
I will practice this specific behavior from my opposite energy:
I will improve my communication with this team member:
I will move to the next Maxwell Level by:
Weekly Check-In Template
Copy this template and complete it every Friday:
Week of: _______________
What leadership behaviors did I practice this week?
What challenges did I face?
What will I do differently next week?
Who did I develop this week?
Conclusion: Your Leadership Journey
Leadership development is a lifelong journey. Remember these key principles:
Know Yourself: Understand your dominant energy and how it shapes your leadership
Flex Your Style: Great leaders adapt to the needs of their team members
Build Influence: Move progressively through Maxwell's 5 Levels
Develop Others: Level 4 and 5 leaders focus on reproducing leadership in others
Stay Humble: All energies have blind spots; continuous learning is essential
Remember: Leadership is influence, not position. You can lead from anywhere in the organization by building relationships, producing results, and developing people.